Venice is a unique, must-visit city for any American tourist traveling in Europe. The floating Italian city is like an open-air museum with sights (and gelato) so sweet you’d be tempted to stay forever.
But don’t get too caught up on your serenaded gondola ride or while sipping sun-ripened peach Bellinis at Harry’s Bar that you miss out on the equally beautiful places waiting for you (and your camera) just a short train ride away.
Here’s our suggestions of some of the best day trips from Venice.
Image credit, Getty Images, Julian Elliot Photography. Location, Verona, Italy.
What other cities near Venice are worth visiting?
Some of the most beautiful places in northern Italy – if not the world – can be reached in under two hours from Venice’s Santa Lucia station. It’s so easy, it would be rude not to!
Verona
Less than an hour from Venice, Verona is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Just in case you’re not up on your William Shakespeare, the English bard set his timeless tragedy Romeo and Juliet in Verona.
The minute you arrive at this UNESCO-recognized gem, you’ll fall in love with the dreamy Renaissance architecture of the centro storico – the historic ‘old town’ of Verona – where you will find many of the main sights in the city.
Stroll from Juliette’s house to the well-preserved first-century Verona Arena, or see the sigh-worthy churches, and finally rest up at a cute café for a frothy cappuccino or two.
Padua
A blink-and-you-miss-it train ride of just 15min west of Venice, Padua’s greatest asset is undoubtedly the Scrovegni Chapel, with its incredible frescoes by famed-painter Giotto.
Beyond the chapel, you’ll love the sun-warmed piazzas, abundant markets specializing in salami and prosciutto, and opportunities to sip multiple Aperol spritz, which apparently was invented in Padua. Just don’t tell the Venetians when you get back.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Massimo Calmonte. Image Location: Veicenza, Italy.
Vicenza
About 36min from Venice by train, cosmopolitan Vicenza is a compact city famous for its architecture, much of it designed by Andrea Palladio, a native of Padua (which, by the way, you can also reach on the same train line, creating a Palladio-focused day out).
Palladio’s distinctive style turned the city of Vicenza into an elegant UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring attractions like the Teatro Olímpico and the Piazza dei Signori, all conveniently clustered within the old city walls.
Lake Garda
From Venice on the high-speed train, it only takes just over an hour to get to the glorious Lake Garda.
Just hop on a train at Venice’s Mestre station and alight at Peschiera del Garda station to be rewarded with views of the tranquil lake itself, fringed by citrus trees and olive groves. George Clooney might even be tempted to swap his Lake Como villa for one here if he came for the day…
Image Credit: Getty Images, Francesco Riccardo. Image Location: Limone Sul Garda, Italy.
The Dolomites
Is there a direct train from Venice to the Dolomites?
Since you’re close enough to go by train, don’t miss out on marveling at the scenic beauty of the southern Alps, also known as the Dolomites. Head to one of the towns at the foot of the Dolomites, like Belluno, which only takes 1h 40min from Venice on the fastest service.
Belluno is a great base for exploring snow-capped mountains, but the town itself is worth a visit for its pretty piazzas and Renaissance-era palazzi.
This awesome mountain range can be visited all year round, equally lovely when covered in winter snow or spring flowers, but we’d say summer is arguably the best time to take a day trip from Venice. Shirk the crowds for a few hours and immerse yourself in good ole nature.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Feng Wei Photography. Image Location: Venice, Italy.